When it comes to the cost of living, one of the most expensive necessities is the price of food. Changing trade laws and the rise of niche food products are all boosting the prices of a weekly grocery shop, and many families are struggling to keep down the costs. Fortunately, with a little preparation and planning, there are ways to keep the costs of food shopping down:
1. Get kitchen creative
So many of us have long life food stored in the cupboard that we aren’t using. Flours, rice and pasta are the three most common pantry staple products that we tend to just re-purchase, rather than using up. A handy way to cut down on food costs is to plan meals around what is already in the kitchen. Food that is broaching its expiry date can still be used and instead of throwing out food scraps or stale bread, they can be turned in to something else such as broth, soups or breadcrumbs.
2. Stick to the list
One of the most wasteful ways to spend money when grocery shopping is buying things that you don’t need. It may seem like a tedious task but planning for the week and making a grocery list makes budgeting easier. A list can stop people impulse buying and it can even have benefits when it comes to making healthy diet choices.
3. Shop around
Most people tend to go to the closest supermarket for their food shopping as it is the most convenient. Large grocery chains are competitive and no prices across different franchises are ever the same. Once the shopping list is created, all one needs to do is jump online and do a price comparison. A few extra miles in the car will make all the difference on the wallet in the long run.
Grocery shopping is an expensive task, particularly when it comes to feeding families with growing children. For parents who are still struggling after budgeting and preparing for their food shopping, there is always the option of taking out a personal loan. Simple Personal Loans provide budget-friendly and professional financial assistance for people who just need that extra little bit of help.